Vishwakarma Jayanti: Chhattisgarh govt doubles e-rickshaw subsidy to Rs 1 lakh, announces new schemes for workers
Raipur, Sep 17
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday announced a major boost for unorganised sector workers by doubling the subsidy for purchasing e-rickshaws from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
The decision was taken at a grand workers' convention held at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in the state capital to mark Vishwakarma Jayanti.
Addressing the large gathering of labourers, Sai said the enhanced financial assistance would help traditional rickshaw drivers shift to cleaner, more efficient electric vehicles, increase their earnings and promote self-employment. He also unveiled plans to set up 'Shramik Jan Suvidha Kendras' (Workers' Public Amenity Centres) in various cities across the state.
These centres will offer essential facilities such as seating, drinking water and mobile charging points under one roof, providing a dignified resting space for workers who often wait for work under harsh weather conditions.
In another significant step, the Chief Minister announced the launch of an e-bike assistance scheme aimed at making daily commuting easier and more affordable for registered workers, particularly the estimated 8,000 to 10,000 delivery personnel in the state.
Sai emphasised that the government's primary focus remains on financially empowering workers and improving their overall quality of life.
During the event, the Chief Minister transferred more than Rs 51 crore directly into the bank accounts of over 1.43 lakh workers under various labour welfare schemes through Direct Benefit Transfer. He also handed over keys of e-rickshaws to 100 women workers under a related assistance programme, underscoring the drive towards women's economic self-reliance.
Sai extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh and wished everyone a happy Vishwakarma Jayanti.
Describing the Prime Minister as the 'Vishwakarma' of modern India, he said Modi was guiding the country's development and nation-building in a new direction. The Chief Minister stressed that workers form the backbone of progress in both the state and the nation, and the government remains committed to protecting their interests through continuous welfare measures.
Officials said the new initiatives would be rolled out in a phased manner to ensure maximum reach and benefit for the working community.
— IANS
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